On March 2, 2016, environmental and indigenous rights activist Berta Cáceres was viciously murdered in her home in Honduras. I have reintroduced the Berta Cáceres Human Rights in Honduras Act to honor her passing, and with the hopes of restoring justice
to the people of Honduras. I invite you to join me in support of protecting other activists in the country from a similar fate, and ensuring there is justice.

Honduras is a battleground for human rights, and the war has been especially deadly for activists caught in the crossfire. Human Rights Watch hasreported an egregious use of lethal force by national police, and little accountability from the Honduran government. Between 2010 and 2015, more than 100 activists have been murdered,
and this year we’ve learned of the deaths of indigenous Tolupan leader & human rights defender, José de Santos Sevilla, as well as Afro-Colombian leader Jairo Cortes. The targeted and widespread violence against the people of Honduras must stop.

H.R. 1299 states that funds for Honduran police or military be withheld until Honduras reconciles many of the human rights violations it has committed. Specifically, this bill states that the Honduran government must: ensure the violations have ceased; bring
justice to the military members and police that have committed human rights abuses; protect the rights of unionists, journalists and other vulnerable groups; cease militarized policing; and, properly convict those guilty of the murder of Berta Cáceres and
others.

Furthermore, this act would suspend funding and equipment in an effort to hold the Honduran military, police and government accountable in bringing justice to those who deserve it. U.S. taxpayer dollars should not be spent where there is no urgency to hold
governing bodies accountable for human rights violations. H.R. 1299 helps to take steps in the proper direction, and reasserts the United States as a champion for human rights. Please consider cosponsoring this act for the people of Honduras.

If you have any questions or would like to co-sponsor this important piece of legislation, please contact Robin Chand in my office atRobin.Chand@mail.house.gov.